Friday, February 8, 2019

知否知否应是绿肥红瘦 - The Story of Ming Lan 2018




Yes! Another Zanilia (Li Ying) Zhao drama. I am such a sucker for any drama or movie that has her in it. Ancient period dramas are not really my thing especially when politics are linked to it. However, this is the drama that should not be passed up. As always both Zanilia and William Feng did a great job. So far I am on episode 62 and yes things are climaxing to the extreme!!! However, I have high hopes that this drama is going to have a killer ending. With an estimated 73 episodes, each episode is going to leave you wanting more. Along with an appearance of two killer leads, this drama is sure to bring joy, laughter, and a roller coaster of other emotions. 


Both Viki and Youtube have active subbers subbing in English, so there's so reason to jump on this bandwagon. Moreover, many Youtube channels are uploading this drama with Vietsubs too! 


As I have said, this drama had killer leads, but more or less the supporting actors and actresses are stunning as well. So let's have a look...


Cast: 

Zanilia Zhao as Sheng Ming Lan (6th Sister) 
Native Name: 赵丽颖
Known Roles: Legend of Lu Zhen, The Mystic Nine, Rookie Agent Rogue, and Princess Agents

As a fan of Zanilia, the main reason I watched this drama is because of her. With a number of hit dramas under her belt, I did not mind taking on a 50+ episodes drama knowing that she was playing the lead. In the drama Zanilia plays Sheng Minglan the youngest and illegitimate daughter of the Sheng Family. After her mother dies, Minglan is raised and loved by her grandmother (I promise, I am not spoiling anything). Clever and beautiful, Minglan taught to be mindful of her actions in order to survive and avenge her mother. though brilliant and talented, Minglan must hide her wits and talent in order to secure her life. Again, Zanilia does not disappoint her role, you can see the progression and growth of her character through each episode. 




William Feng as Gu Ting Ye (2nd Master/2nd Son)
Native name: 冯绍峰
Known Roles: Palace Lock Heart, Prince Lin Lang, and Ice Fantasy

Truthfully, I am not much of a William Feng fan, but I have nothing against him or his acting. However, after watching this drama, I will be looking out for more of his dramas. Also, the eye-candy factor helps too! William plays the second son of the Gu family. Although his mother is the legitimate main wife, his father only married his mother after the main wife passed away. William's character is headstrong, resilient, and cunning. I got to say both he and Zanilia have a lot of chemistry, so I am not surprised that they are married. His character brings laughter to the audience, that removes most of the heavy political and family tension that it holds. 




Zhu Yi Long as Qi Heng
Native name: 朱一龙
 Known Roles: Border Town Prodigal and Royal Sister Returns

For a second was rooting for him and had second lead syndrome... watch the drama to find out why. I seen him in Royal Sister Returns and truth be told, he did not have enough charisma to pull me into becoming a true fan at that time. However this time around, hands down he did a great job! His acting has improved a whole lot and he played his character very well. Yi Long plays Qi Heng the only son of the Duke Qi and his princess wife. He is considered the desired bachelor based on family background and personality. Both him and Minglan are each other first love. Throughout the drama, you can see the growth and changes in his character's personality to style. 




Minglan's older siblings from her dad's first and main wife. I love all of the first wife children, as they treat Minglan as a real sibling. Wang Herun as Sheng Hualan is the eldest sister and wisest of them all. Wang Renjun as Changbai is the second eldest brother and is Gu Ting Ye's best friend, he is both intelligent and humble. Both as a friend and brother, he is dependable and kind. Karlina Zhang as Rulan is Minglan's fifth sister. She, on the other hand, is more mischevious out of the bunch, but she is straightforward and honest. 

Zhang Xiaoqian as Sheng Changfeng is Minglan's third brother from concubine Lin. He is not as bright as his older brother nor scheming as his younger sister and mother. Shi Shi as Sheng Molan is Minglan's fourth sister, possessing both intellect and drive. She is scheming and conniving just like her mother. 





Liu Jun as Sheng Hong (Ming Lan's Dad)
Blinded by his love for his concubine, he shows no care or love for the poor Minglan.

Cao Jifen as Old Mrs. Sheng (Minglan's Grandmother) 

She plays the main role in shaping Ming Lan's behavior. She loves and protects Minglan like a mother cub. 

Liu Lin as Wang Ruofu (Main Wife/Minglan's stepmother)

Direct and loud, she is easily overpowered by Lin concubine. Although she is Minglan's stepmother, she has never mistreated Minglan. Her direct personality constantly puts her in trouble. She is a funny character and brings a comedic tone to the serious pace of the drama. 

Gao Lu as Lin Qinshuang (Concubine Lin)

Looks can be deceiving, her gentle and weak appearance houses only trouble and schemes. Both vicious and calculating. She is one of the first people and experience that taught Minglan to careful and mindful of her survival.



Wang Yi Nan as Lady Qin
This all-around villain is Gu Ting Ye's stepmother. She is Gu Ting Ye's father third wife after his mother died and sister to his father's first wife. Beneath her kind and Buddha-like demeanor, is all schemes and wickedness. Her plots and plans are endless and she leaves behind a trail that spells trouble. Catch this drama on Viki to find out more...


All in all, the cast in this drama will be an endless summary, but each has a place of their own. The story is intriguing all on its own and each person is a powerhouse character. 



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